Research - Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks PDF

RESEARCH- Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks Independent variables are those NATURE OF VARIABLES that cause changes in the subject. Example: In a study on th...

RESEARCH- Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks Independent variables are those NATURE OF VARIABLES that cause changes in the subject. Example: In a study on the effect of studying on test scores, the amount VARIABLES of study time would be the independent variable. Dependent variables are those that Are "changing qualities or bear or manifest the effects caused characteristics" of persons or things by the independent variables. They like age, gender, intelligence, ideas, show the effects or outcomes achievements, confidence, and so caused by the independent on that are involved in your research variables. study. Example: In the same study, the test Made up of the root or base word scores would be the dependent "vary" which means to undergo variable, as they depend on the changes or to differ from, variables amount of study time. have different or varying values in relation to time and situation. Variable Relationships Example: In research, studying cause-effect In a study on academic relationships involves key variables: performance, variables might include the students' study hours, their Independent Variable: The cause, grades, and their levels of which you manipulate. motivation. These factors can Dependent Variable: The effect, change and affect the outcomes of which you measure. the research. Extraneous Variables TYPES OF VARIABLES While conducting research, Additional factors that may impact the relationship RESEARCH- Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks between the independent and dependent variables. These are called extraneous variables. FOR EXAMPLE, If you're studying how the amount of time spent studying (independent variable) affects test scores WHAT IS (dependent variable), you must also consider other factors that could influence THEORETICAL the test score. These factors are called extraneous variables. FRAMEWORK? Example Definition: A general guide for observing, defining concepts, Independent Variable: Time spent developing research designs, and interpreting findings (Barrot, 2017). studying. Purpose: Explains relevant theories, Dependent Variable: Test scores. principles, and research findings Extraneous Variables: Time spent connected to your study (Baraceros, sleeping before the exam, the 2019). Flexibility: Researchers can use temperature of the exam room, and one or more theories to give their other potential influences. study a unique or original perspective. Other Variables How a Theoretical Framework Extraneous Variable: Strengthens Your Study 1. Critical Evaluation: Definition: Any variable not being ○ Clearly stated theoretical investigated that can affect the assumptions allow readers to outcome of a research study. critically evaluate your study. 2. Connection to Existing Impact: Can influence the Knowledge: dependent variables or the ○ It links your research to controlled conditions, even though existing theories, providing a they are not the primary focus of the foundation for your study. RESEARCH- Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks hypotheses and choice of ○ Choose the theory that best methods. fits your study and can guide your research design and 3. Addressing 'Why' and 'How': methodology. Articulating theoretical assumptions Finding a Theory for Your Study compels you to explore the underlying reasons and mechanisms 1. Identify a Relevant Theory: of a phenomenon. It allows you to ○ Look for a theory that aligns generalize findings beyond mere with your main topic. descriptions. ○ Example Topic: Human Resources 4. Identifying Limits: ○ Possible Theories: David A theory helps you determine the Ulrich's HR Model boundaries of your generalizations. 2. Understand the Theory: It highlights key variables that ○ David Ulrich's HR Model influence the phenomenon and suggests that HR should be encourages you to consider how a strategic partner for top these variables may vary under executives, adding value different conditions. seen by both management and employees. ○ Thoroughly understand the theory before adopting it for Selecting Your your study. 3. Connect to Your Research: Theoretical Framework ○ Ensure the theory aligns with 1. Understand Variables and Their the objectives and Relationships: expectations of your study. ○ Identify the variables in your ○ Use it as the foundation to study and how they interact guide your research design with each other. and methodology. 2. Review Existing Literature: ○ Examine current research Using Multiple Theories in Your related to your topic to gather Study insights and context. 3. Identify Potential Theories: Using more than one theory can add ○ Based on the literature, find originality and depth to your research. theories that might explain Here's how: the expected results of your research. 1. Example Topic: Human 4. Select the Most Relevant Theory: Resources: RESEARCH- Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks ○ Theory 1: David Ulrich's HR Essential Attributes: Model ○ Theory 2: Transactional 1. Specificity and Clarity: Theory of Work Stress and ○ A good hypothesis should Coping by Richard Lazarus clearly articulate what is 2. Combining Theories: being assessed and the ○ David Ulrich's HR Model: expected outcome. Focuses on HR as a ○ Example: strategic partner, adding Hypothesis: value seen by both "Students who sleep management and at least 8 hours per employees. night will, on average, ○ Transactional Theory of achieve higher Stress and Coping (TTSC): grades in Evaluates how people handle standardized tests stress, focusing on assessing than students who damages, threats, and sleep less than 8 challenges. hours a night." 3. Integration: This hypothesis is ○ Merge the assumptions and specific because it fundamentals of both identifies the theories. variables (sleep hours ○ Ensure they complement and test grades), the each other and align with groups involved (two your study's goals and groups of students), objectives. and the predicted ○ Typically, the first theory relationship (a should be broader and more positive relationship). general to facilitate merging concepts. Hypothesis Essentials: Testability A research hypothesis must be testable, meaning it should be possible to prove or What is a Research Hypothesis? disprove the statement. If it can't be tested, it's not a hypothesis. A research hypothesis (or scientific hypothesis) is a statement predicting a Example Hypothesis: relationship between variables or explaining an occurrence. It must be clear, specific, "Students who sleep at least 8 hours and testable to be considered a quality per night will, on average, achieve hypothesis. higher grades in standardized tests RESEARCH- Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks than students who sleep less than 8 Purpose: To provide a statement hours a night." that can be tested and potentially Testing: Conduct a study comparing disproved. test scores of two groups of Example: H₀: There is no significant students—one group sleeps 8 or relationship between monthly more hours, the other sleeps less. allowance and purchasing behavior Analyze the results for statistical of college students in NCR. significance. Alternative Hypothesis (H₁ or Ha) Non-Testable Hypothesis Example: Definition: A statement suggesting "Sleep impacts academic that a relationship or difference performance." This statement is exists between the variables, serving vague and lacks specifics on sleep as an alternative to the null duration, participants, or academic hypothesis. measures, making it difficult to test. Purpose: To propose a specific relationship that can be tested and Types of Research Hypotheses proven if the null hypothesis is rejected. 1. Null Hypothesis: Example: Ha: There is a significant ○ Definition: States there is no relationship between monthly relationship between two allowance and purchasing behavior variables or that two groups of college students in NCR. are unrelated. ○ Purpose: It serves as the Key Points: statement to be disproven by the research. Testability: Both the null and ○ Characteristics: Testable, alternative hypotheses must be verifiable, and can be testable. rejected based on research Specificity and Clarity: Clearly findings. define variables and expected outcomes to ensure hypotheses are specific and clear. Rejection of Null Hypothesis: If the Research Hypotheses null hypothesis is rejected, the alternative hypothesis is considered Null Hypothesis (H₀) valid. Definition: A statement that Practical Use indicates no relationship between the independent and dependent When designing research, clearly define variables. both hypotheses. Conduct tests to RESEARCH- Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks determine if the null hypothesis can be ○ Create a specific and concise rejected. If rejected, the alternative question addressing your hypothesis is supported. problem, informed by your literature review. ○ Ensure it’s clear, focused, and relevant to your field. ow to Develop a Research 4. Identify Variables: Hypothesis ○ Determine the key variables to study and manipulate. 1. Identify Your Research Problem or ○ Independent Variable: What Topic: you control or manipulate. ○ Define your area of interest ○ Dependent Variable: What or the specific problem to you measure to observe investigate. Ensure it’s clear effects. and well-defined. 5. State the Null Hypothesis: ○ Ask a straightforward ○ A statement that there is no research question related to significant difference or your topic. Consider effect. Serves as a baseline limitations and develop a for comparison. hypothesis that can be tested 6. Select Appropriate Methods for with evidence. Testing: 2. Conduct a Literature Review: ○ Choose methods that align ○ Review existing research with your objectives, like related to your problem to experiments, surveys, or understand the current observational studies. knowledge, identify gaps, ○ Be prepared to iterate and and build your hypothesis refine your hypothesis as you foundation. collect data. ○ Consider: What research What is a Conceptual Framework? already exists? Are there gaps or Definition: unanswered questions? A system of ideas, beliefs, How does the assumptions, and theories that literature contribute to support and guide your study. your research Graphically presents concepts, the foundation? structure of your research, and the 3. Formulate Your Research relationships between elements. Question: Purpose: RESEARCH- Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks Organizes and directs your What to Include in a Conceptual research. Framework Provides a schematic diagram for a clear understanding. Key elements of a conceptual framework Clarifies concepts and their include: interrelationships. Research Question(s): Central By following these steps, you can develop a questions guiding the study. solid research hypothesis and conceptual Study Parameters: Boundaries and framework, grounding your study in scope of the study. established knowledge and clearly defined Study Variables: Key variables processes. involved in the research. Relationships: Potential relationships between the variables. Importance of a Conceptual These elements should be informed by Framework in Research literature, theory, and prior knowledge. A conceptual framework is crucial in Pointers in Writing a Conceptual research for several reasons: Framework 1. Clarifies the Context: 1. Understand Objectives: ○ Provides a clear context for ○ Know the objectives of your the study. conceptual framework. 2. Justifies the Study: 2. Base on Elements and ○ Helps justify the study to Relationships: readers by explaining its ○ Build your framework based relevance and importance. on your understanding of the 3. Enhances Understanding: elements and their ○ Ensures you understand the relationships. problem and the study’s 3. Align with Research Objective: necessity. ○ Ensure all aspects relate to 4. Illustrates Relationships: the research objective. ○ Shows expected 4. Seek Feedback: relationships between ○ Have others review your variables and defines framework for comments and research objectives. improvements. 5. Refines Objectives and Methods: ○ Helps refine study objectives Example of a Conceptual and choose appropriate methods to achieve them. Framework RESEARCH- Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks Research Topic: "The Impact of Social Media Usage on Academic Performance among College Students" Independent Variable: Social media usage (frequency, time spent, types of platforms). Dependent Variable: Academic performance (grades, exam scores, class attendance). Mediating Variable: Study habits (time spent studying, study environment, use of study aids). Moderating Variable: Self-discipline (self-control, ability to manage distractions, prioritization skills). This framework shows how social media usage might affect academic performance through study habits, and how self-discipline may influence this relationship.